The pending vote on the health care bill in the United States Congress is an issue that has polarized all sorts of groups regarding the potential benefits and deficiencies of the proposed legislation. If one looks at the legislation from the perspective of a faithful Catholic, on the surface the proposed legislation really does not appear to present a problem for most Catholics. However, when one seriously considers components of the bill, it provides tax-payer funded resources for the procurement of an abortion.Most people that read this really donâ€™t care much about federally funded services for abortions. Unfortunately, even those within the Catholic Church often gloss over the issue of abortion and see it as a, â€œlesser evil,â€ in cases of rape, incest and so on. Most church going Catholics really donâ€™t follow the issue with much concern and shrug off the issue as one that doesnâ€™t concern them.

Tragically, the political, cultural & social disregard towards the horrendous sin of abortion is on the verge of gaining silent popular and legislative approval with the ratification of the Obama health care plan. In the press, the matter has been a weekly barrage of partisan politics, which is part of the Washington, D.C. daily events. However, the issue of the appropriateness or the inappropriateness of the legislative plan for healthcare for all Americans has provided a divisive topic for two groups of female religious in the Catholic Church.

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious, (http://www.lcwr.org ) has publically endorsed and supported the pending legislation on health care reform. They are based in Silver Spring, MD. This organization was formed in 1956, as a direct call from Pope Pius XII which encouraged religious communities of both men and women to provide positive input into the process of modernizing the lifestyles of religious communities. Initially the organization was called the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious; the name was changed in 1971. The group has approximately 1500 members and claims to represent 95% of the 65,000 female religious in the United States. When researching and writing this article, this author called their headquarters and asked to speak with someone that could clarify the groupâ€™s position that supported the healthcare bill that is opposed by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. Unfortunately, I was unable to reach anyone other than voicemail boxes. I did leave voicemails for every religious on staff and sent subsequent emails, however, there has been no response.

There is another organization in the United States that is formed under the name of, The Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious, (http://www.cmswr.org) that was formed in 1992 and has been approved by the Vatican Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life in October 1992.

This organization of female religious has backed the position on the pending health care bill of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops( http://usccb.org ) and has publically rejected and condemned the ratification of the proposed legislation.

When developing and writing this article, I had the opportunity to speak with a representative of the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (who asked to remain sub rosa). She stated quite clearly that the reason their organization was not in support of the proposed legislation because it was not in conformity with the teachings of the American Bishops and did not adhere to the Churchâ€™s teachings against abortion and its moral gravity.

Is it no wonder then, that the average Catholic in the pew has a hard time understanding the Catholic Churchâ€™s teachings on abortion and the sanctity of life when there are two groups of female religious that seem to differ in their understanding of the nuances of the issue?

Clearly, the correct teachings of the Catholic Church on the subject hold anyone that provides for an abortion, procures and abortion or assists in an abortion procedure in anathema.

What then is the motivation of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious in supporting the proposed legislation in defiance to the teachings of the American Conference of Catholic Bishops? Could the motivation simply be a continued effort on the part of some religious communities to undermine the authority of the American Bishops in favor of spreading the ever pervasive ideologies of political and social agendas that do not reflect authentic teachings of the Catholic Church? While, there are numerous religious both male and female those serves the Catholic Church and are obedient and loyal to the Churchâ€™s teachings and hierarchical structure there are some that seek to subvert the current structure of a male dominated clerical and administrative Catholic Church.

The struggle that has developed within the female communities of religious in the Catholic Church is a reflection of the larger tension that exists between Catholics that are drawn in both directions regarding similar beliefs and allegiances within the Catholic theocratic world. In addition to the perpetual considerations over the Churchâ€™s teachings on birth control, priestly celibacy, males only priesthood, the solutions to the sex scandal within the Church, the perceived inequality against women in the Church, this public opposition to the moral and ethical directives of the American Bishops is symptomatic of the great tensions that exist within the world of Catholicism.

The struggle of female religious seemingly is part of the investigation that is currently underway by the Vatican of communities in the United States. Seemingly, the feminist movement of the 1970â€™s may have influenced the manner in which female religious communities modeled themselves in the wake of Vatican II. The Vatican commission investigating the communities of religious life intends to study and make recommendations that will permit religious communities of women to rediscover their religious charisms that distinguish them as female religious. Opponents to the investigation suggest it is a Vatican attempt to further control the activities of women in the Church and continue their exclusion from Holy Orders and ministry.

While there are points that suggest both pros and cons to each campâ€™s considerations regarding some of these issues, the essential issue remains true, Catholics, regardless of their state in life, clergy, religious, laity cannot endorse any activities that support and promote the legalized funding of abortions.

It is time that all of us in the Catholic world begin to embrace ALL of the moral and ethical teachings of the Catholic Church and not just the points that suggest political correctness or ones that are socially inclusive. Regardless of the intention of the sources of funding for abortions through the politically and socially correct motivations of the Obama White House, Abortion is a sin.

It is time for the female religious that congregate behind the politically correct name of the Leadership Council of Women Religious get back into the moral and ethical mainstream of the Catholic Church and tow the Catholic line and principles. Support the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops, Sisters and retract your organizations support for legislative justification of socialized abortive services.

Religious communities of men and women in the Catholic Church should have obedience and fidelity to the Magisterium as the principle motivation of their religious lives and communities, not causes of political and social justices.

Once when dealing with an issue of discontent at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary outside of Philadelphia, John Cardinal Krol gave two options for disgruntled seminarians over the reforms of Seminary life. Appearing after Vespers in Saint Martins Chapel on the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, May 1st,1966 Cardinal Krol gave the following admonition to the seminary faculty and student body:

â€œ In any of you, students or faculty, entertain any ideas that the renewal must follow your directives, rather than those of ecclesiastical authorities, then you had better reconsider. If in conscience you are willing and able to accept the authorized directives of the renewal, I shall thank God. If in conscience, you feel that you cannot comply, then in conscience you should leave. You have the choice of staying and of obeying, or of leaving, non datur tertium. ex. History of Saint Charles Seminary by Msgr. James Connelly, S.T.L.,Hist.E.D. 1979

The same counsel applies to all Catholics that are opposed to the Churchâ€™s authentic teachings, stay and obey, or leave, you will not be given a third choice!

Hugh J.McNichol is a Catholic author and journalist writing on Catholic topics and issues. He attended Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, where he studied both philosophy and theology. He writes frequently at http://verbumcarofactumest.blogspot.com & http://nothing-left-unsaid.blogspot.com . Hugh writes about his Irish Catholic upbringing and educational experiences at http://graysferrygrapevine.blogspot.com . He has contributed works to Catholic News Agency, Catholic Online, The Irish Catholic, Dublin, the British Broadcasting Company, London and the Philadelphia Bulletin, Catholic Exchange, Pewsitter.com, Blogger News Network & The Catholic Business Journal and CatholicMom.com. Comments are always welcome at hjmn4566@gmail.com.

Doesn’t our constitution guarentee us a separation of church and state?

No one has the ability to judge another person but God himself (judge, and though will be judged?). Technically, the bible states in the eyes of God, no sin is worse than another. SO just judging another person is just as bad as a child molester.

So doesn’t that mean by judging people that have abortions, make you as bad as a child molester?

It kills me that people only pick what they want from this book and apply it to their own beliefs.

Love, brotherhood, and forgiveness is the only true religion.

He will take care of those that he feels need taken care of. Until then, let people that need help get it. Politics is politics. Its unfortunate, but beyond our control. If abortion is the only reason you are not allowing people to help, may God forgive you like people that get abortions (your own selfish reasons).

Conscience said,

in March 19th, 2010 at 11:26 pm

Perhaps some people will have to go to jail rather than participate in funding abortions. But, it does seem unconstitutional that people would have to participate against their beliefs.

Preferential Option for the Poor said,

in March 20th, 2010 at 12:03 am

I question the insight of the clergy compared to that of the many sisters who work in the health care system as doctors, nurses, hospital administrators in “the front lines” and with the populations most affected by the bill, the uninsured.
I’d tend to value their professional and carefully constructed, Catholic Christian, respecting-all-life opinions on this bill over those of the USCCB.
And please, we are educated, capable Catholic adults with formed consciences, not sheep. Let there be more dialogue in our church!

I disagree with the authors contentions. I am a Catholic, have worked in healthcare administration for 30 years, and believe the greater good is served by voting for healthcare reform. I am Pro-Life. My understanding is that under the bill proposed, “no health plan would be required to offer coverage for abortion. In plans that do cover abortion, policyholders would have to pay for it separately, and that money would have to be kept in a separate account from taxpayer money…States could ban abortion coverage in plans offered through the exchange. Exceptions would be made for cases of rape, incest and danger to the life of the mother.”

Recent decisions by certain Catholic leaders in recent weeks have bewildered me. Take the decision by the Catholic Archdiocese of DC to cancel its entire health benefits plan for its workers, only because one of its workers is gay, and the Bishop does not want pay for health benefits for the partner of that gay employee, lest it be a sign that the Diocese would support gay marriage.

Ed Kent said,

in March 20th, 2010 at 8:25 am

While the Pope and his bishops are opposing our health reform, Catholic nuns and our doctors’
organizations are supporting it. Once again we have people trying to deceive us with lies and smears. As a retired philosopher, I hate lying and personal smears.

A moral imperative said,

in March 20th, 2010 at 6:06 pm

Your opposition is based on a fallacy. There will be no federal dollars paying for abortions in the health bill. This has been the disinformation promulgated by the far-right. We have a moral imperative to provide for the many without health care. As a medical provider of health care for many years and as a Catholic, educated in Catholic institutions through graduate school, I applaud the Leadership of Religious Women in supporting the health bill. They are women of courage and dedication to the poor and the needy. I wish I could say the same for many of our congresspeople and our Bishops.

annemarie said,

in March 20th, 2010 at 9:25 pm

And thus speaks the Catholic Church, the leadership of which facilitated and covered up one of the worst sins known to man for the past half-century, while using all their temporal wealth and power to discredit, shame and tarnish abused children and their families who sought their spiritual leaders’ help, guidance and understanding.

Angelo said,

in March 21st, 2010 at 9:25 pm

First, and foremost abortion is a sin! No matter what! Let’s say the bill passes, ok, well that is acually great for Catholics no health plan would be required to offer coverage for abortion. But, remember after the bill passes, it goes back to the senate, after the senate it goes to the house again for final approval making sure no changes are made. Then the bill lands in the office of the President’s desk which he signs or vetos which everyone knows he will not veto, he is for the healthcare reform bill to make the bill go in effect. Remember, he can and has the power to alternate that bill and instead of federal dollars paying for abortions in the bill, the President can make a change and promote the legal funding of abortions. The President has the abilty to change parts of the bill around. I see the healthcare bill passing, which is acually great for catholics, but i see the president making changes to the abortion plan. I studied all differnet relious beliefs, and I am a firm believer in Catholism. So whatever the Pope and Bishops are for, they see something wrong with the bill, i am with them all the way! KILL THE BILL !

Angelo said,

in March 21st, 2010 at 10:26 pm

First, and foremost abortion is a sin! No matter what! Let’s say the bill passes, ok, well that is acually great for Catholics no health plan would be required to offer coverage for abortion. Also, expanding health insurance coverage to the 46 million Americans who currently lack it is a necessary component of building a culture of life. It also provides an opportunity to reduce the number of abortions in the U.S., by making sure that families can afford the expense of pre- and postnatal care. It will provide health insurance coverage for every American. The new reform healthcare bill will take days, if not weeks to read! So noone really knows whats in the bill, some believe the bill does not provide adequate care for uninsured Americans. 81.7 percent of Catholics are opposed of the bill. Remember after the bill passes, it goes back to the Senate, after the Senate it goes to the House of Representatives again for final approval making sure no changes are made. Then the bill lands in the office of the President’s desk which he signs or vetos which everyone knows he will not veto, he is for the healthcare reform bill to make the bill go in effect. After he signs the new reform healthcare reform bill, he can and has the power to alternate that bill and instead of separating public and private dollars in the new system bill, in other words, women could access the public plan but abortion coverage would come from their private dollars, which is stated in the newly reform bill. The President can make a change and oppose the legal funding of abortions,federal dollars paying for abortions in the bill,funding for abortion. The President has the abilty to change parts of the bill around. Remember the Prsident rhetoric on the campaign has not yet matched his actions as president. I see the healthcare bill passing, which is acually great for catholics, but, i also see the unapologetic pro-choice presidential candidate making changes to the abortion plan to cover our expenses to the U.S.reform bill. I studied all differnet relious beliefs, and I am a firm believer in Catholism. So whatever the Pope and Bishops are for, they see something wrong with the bill, maybe that health reform will force taxpayers to fund abortions? maybe they think that this bill is unambiguously pro-life, and will vigorously oppose those who suggest otherwise. Or that the Pope and the Bishops are not satisfied with its restrictions on abortion funding and coverage. Whatever it is our Holy Pope and Bishops sees wrongful for this bill to pass, i am with them all the way! We have to support and stand by our Pope! KILL THE BILL !

right minded said,

in March 22nd, 2010 at 11:14 am

First and foremost, if you think this current political environment is polarized “because” of the health care issue, then you have to have your head in the sand and not well versed in the goings on of Washington. Secondly, I guess it’s better that preists only molest young boys which spares young girls from any unwanted pregnancy. It would seem fair not to judge a person in this way, especially when there are so many unclean hands in your own house.

username said,

in March 22nd, 2010 at 12:06 pm

The Catholic church should have its tax-exempt status revoked in the U.S. for its attempts to influence the government and the political process.

James Leonard said,

in March 24th, 2010 at 12:27 pm

Thank you all for your comments whoever you are and for helping me to understand that I am not the only Catholic in the US who thinks our Bishops and the Right to Life groups are way out of line on this issue. When we get inserts in our Sunday Bulleton asking us to defeat the health bill written by Cardnals its a little deflating and makes me wonder where our church is going. I begin to suspect our values are more politically motivated than spiritual. Thank you all again and to the author try speaking the truth about this issue.

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